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MEPs call for stricter measures to stop illegal pet trade
The resolution called for a common EU definition of puppy and kitten farms.

EU-wide action plan encourages universal crackdown

The environment, public health and food safety committee have adopted a resolution which demands action to tackle the illegal trafficking of pets.

Recognising the negative impact that the illegal pet trade has on animal welfare, public health and consumer protection, the European Parliament also wants to clamp down on the affect that the trade has on the function of the EU internal market.

The decision is informed by strong public support for the improvement of animal welfare. According to a public opinion pole by the European Commission, 74 per cent of EU citizens believe that companion animals should be better protected.

Adopted on Tuesday 21 January, the resolution calls for a series of actions to address the illegal pet trade, including:

  • an EU-wide Action Plan, which outlines the necessary responsibilities to address the illegal trade in companion animals
  • a Commission proposal to set up an EU-wide mandatory identification and registration system for cats and dogs
  • a common definition of puppy and kitten farms in the EU
  • better communication, cooperation and training for customs and veterinary authorities
  • improved enforcement of animal welfare laws and tougher sanctions against suppliers of false pet passports.

The committee also expressed the need for EU breeding rules for pets, along with registers of authorised breeders and sellers, and the importance of encouraging the public to adopt rather than buy.

MEPs are expected to vote on the resolution at the plenary in February.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.